Home Ports – Hobart – Port Arthur

Depart your home ports this morning to arrive into Hobart by 11.30am. Upon your arrival you’ll be greeted by your tour leaders before departing for Port Arthur. Upon our arrival we visit the Port Arthur Historical Reserve for an informative tour and boat cruise, a highlight of the tour. Later in the afternoon we check in to our accommodation for the evening at Stewarts Bay Lodge. Enjoy a welcome dinner to mark the beginning of your wilderness journey of Tasmania. (L, D)

Day

2

Port Arthur – Freycinet National Park

Depart Port Arthur this morning and journey north along the Tasman Highway. Enjoy a brief deviation to the historic township of Richmond, home to Australia’s oldest bridge (1823). After a chance to explore this charming village we continue north and pass through Orford and Swansea before heading down the Freycinet Peninsula. Head into the Freycinet National Park and visit the Cape Tourville lighthouse, where you can admire the spectacular views of the beaches and the Tasman Sea. We then check in to the Freycinet Lodge, one of Tasmania’s premier environmentally friendly resorts located on Great Oyster Bay. Dinner this evening is in the Dove Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day

3

Wineglass Bay - Woolmer's Estate - Launceston

This morning passengers have the opportunity to walk into stunning Wineglass Bay. You can either walk all the way in or stop halfway at the saddle at the top of the range, where there are exceptional views of the bay and the stunning beach. However, in order to really experience this very special part of Tasmania, we have included a 30 minute scenic flight to take in all the wonders of this rugged coastline. You’ll fly over Wineglass Bay, rated as one of the world’s top 10 beaches, and then past the towering pink granite cliffs that plunge into the Tasman Sea. This is a real highlight of your Tasmanian adventure!

Notes about flight: The helicopter used for this flight is a turbine powered Bell Long Ranger, chartered exclusively by Outback Spirit from Rotor-Lift in Hobart. All passengers enjoy window seats. If you prefer not to take this helicopter ride, a refund can be organised. Please contact our office.

After the flights we depart the Freycinet Peninsula and head north west towards Launceston. Enjoy a visit to the historic Woolmer’s Estate, located south of the city at Longford before arriving in to Launceston, where we spend the night at the Country Club Tasmania. Enjoy dinner this evening in the award winning Terrace Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day

4

Launceston – Stanley - Smithton

After breakfast this morning we depart Launceston along the Bass Highway, heading for the North West. Travel through Ulverstone, Penguin and Burnie before arriving at Stanley, home to “The Nut”. The town was once the administrative centre for the Van Diemen’s Land Company, a royal charter company formed in 1824 during the reign of King George IV. If weather conditions permit, we take the chairlift to the top of the nut for stunning views over Bass Strait. Also enjoy a visit to Highfield House, the original headquarters of the Van Diemen’s Land Company. Later in the afternoon we depart for Smithton where we overnight at the Tall Timbers Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day

5

Woolnorth - Cradle Mountain

Tasmania’s most fertile dairy and vegetable growing area is found around Smithton. It is also home to the Woolnorth Wind Farm. Today we take a fully guided tour of Woolnorth which includes the Roaring 40’s Wind Farm, rugged Cape Grim and the Directors Lodge.

After lunch we depart Smithton and journey south to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. We spend the next 2 nights at the luxurious Cradle Mountain Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day

6

Cradle Mountain Exploring

After a sumptuous mountain breakfast we begin our day exploring this magnificent area. First up this morning is a 30 minute guided walk amongst the area’s unique alpine flora and fauna (walk is of an easy nature). Next we visit the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre followed by a drive up to Dove Lake. On the way we take a look through the Waldheim Chalet, a replica of the original Waldheim Chalet built by Gustav and Kate Weindorfer in 1912, which was still used as a guest lodge up until 1974. The replica was built in 1976 using the same local materials.

We return to our accommodation mid this afternoon to sample some of Tasmania’s finest wines and cheeses. Alternatively, enjoy a night wildlife spotting tour after dinner. (B, L, D)

Day

7

Cradle Mountain - Strahan

This morning we bid farewell to Cradle Mountain and drive south towards Strahan. On the way we visit Queenstown and enjoy a guided surface tour of the Mount Lyell copper mine, which dates back to 1896. We also head up to Lake Margaret to visit the historic hydro power station.

This afternoon we arrive in Strahan and check-in to the Strahan Village Motel for our two night stay. The motel is set on a hilltop and features commanding views over Macquarie Harbour and the village below. (B, L, D)

Day

8

Gordon River Cruise

Today we enjoy an exceptional cruise on the scenic Gordon River. Travel aboard the modern and comfortable ‘Lady Jane’ cruise boat (with upgraded window reclining seats) and enjoy two guided shore excursions, including Heritage Landing (home to ancient Huon pines over 2,000 years old) and Sarah Island, once a dreaded penal colony. Also head out to Hells Gates where the harbour meets the ocean. The cruise returns to Strahan mid-afternoon, at which time you can head back to the motel or wander the foreshore at your leisure. Perhaps call in to the Huon Pine mill for a demonstration and the chance to purchase some superbly crafted Huon Pine products. (B, L, D)

Day

9

Lake St Clair - Russell Falls - Hobart

Departing Strahan early this morning we head through the scenic Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to Lake St Clair. Lake St Clair is 620 feet deep and was scooped out by glaciers 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Here we take a look through the Visitor Information Centre before a visit to the ‘Wall in the Wilderness’ at Derwent Bridge, an exquisite work in progress by artist Greg Duncan. The ‘Wall’ is being carved from three-metre high wooden panels and stretches down two rows which are 50 metres long. The carved panels tell the history of the harsh Central Highlands region, beginning with the Indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers. This is truly one of Tasmania’s best attractions!

After lunch we continue heading south east towards Hobart, stopping off at the spectacular Russell Falls along the way. We arrive in Hobart late this afternoon for our 3 night stay at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, located on the waterfront overlooking Constitution Dock. Outback Spirit guests enjoy premium harbour view rooms.(B, L, D)

Day

10

Hobart – Geeveston - Tahune Airwalk

This morning we travel down the Huon Valley and into the heart of the pristine Southern Forests. Here we visit the highly acclaimed Tahune Airwalk, one of the region’s top attractions and an absolute must see on any trip to Tasmania. The walk through the treetops gives spectacular views of the untouched wilderness, and culminates in a cantilever set high over the confluence of the mighty Huon and Picton Rivers.

Later this morning we visit Geeveston for some lunch and a visit to the informative Forest and Heritage Centre. We return to Hobart at approximately 3.00pm

Hobart is a delightful city with a colourful and interesting past, and one of the best ways to experience this is to head off on a walking tour. Choose from an Alcohol History tour, or the History, People and Places tour. Both walks are fascinating and will take you to various places including the Hobart Docks, Salamanca Place and the CBD.

This evening we once again enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day

11

Bruny Island Cruise

This morning we enjoy a day tour to Bruny Island, featuring a sensational 3 hour eco-adventure cruise. This cruise has been rated as one of the Top 100 trips in the world! Board your custom built speed boat and travel along Bruny Island’s rugged southern Tasmanian coastline to spot the island’s abundant sea and coastal wildlife, such as seals, dolphins, albatross and other seabirds. Sit at the bottom of Bruny Island’s towering sea cliffs and be surrounded by 1,000s of seals. Keep an eye out for dolphins surfing on the bow wave of the boat!

Early this afternoon we return to Adventure Bay and enjoy some lunch. We then travel to Roberts Point to board the ferry back over to the mainland.

Tonight we enjoy our final dinner together at Mures Upper Deck restaurant on the waterfront and celebrate an unforgettable journey around Tasmania. (B, L, D)

Day

12

Hobart - Home

This morning we enjoy a visit to Mount Wellington, which rises to 4,170 feet above the city below. Enjoy mesmerising views of Hobart and the Derwent River from several vantage points along the boardwalk, a perfect ending to your adventure around Tasmania.

For passengers departing Tasmania today, you will be dropped off at the airport for your return flight. Please ensure flights are booked for after 11.30am. For those staying on you will be droped off at the location of your choosing. (B)

Head up to Mount Wellington for spectacular views of Hobart and the Derwent River

Take a fun and informative historical walking tour of Hobart (2 to choose from)

Visit the West Coast and cruise the majestic Gordon River, including a visit to Sarah Island and Heritage Landing

Discover Cape Grim on Woolnorth Station and visit the roaring 40's wind farm

Visit historic Woolmer's Estate at Longford

Visit Port Arthur Historic Site with guided tour and cruise

Visit the charming village of Stanley, home to "The Nut"

Geeveston Forest and Heritage Centre

Exceptional Experiences

Bruny Island

With most tour operators, the Bruny Island adventure cruise is an optional highlight that means missing out on something else. Not with Outback Spirit. As one of the top 100 experiences worldwide, we’ve decided that you just can’t miss it!

This staggering adventure cruise is one of the absolute highlights of our Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer. You'll cruise along Bruny Island's rugged southern coastline in custom made adventure boats and spot the area's abundant marine and coastal wildlife.

Freycinet Helicopter Tour

New for 2015, discover Freycinet Peninsula, the Hazards and Wineglass Bay by helicopter! Hop on-board your exclusively chartered turbine helicopter and discover this amazing wilderness from the air. With virtually no roads, this is one of hte only ways to see this dramatic east coast landscape.

In depth discovery of Cradle Mountain & Lake St. Clair

Spend 2 nights at the award winning Cradle Mountain Lodge and enjoy a relaxed, yet in-depth exploration of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Venture up to Dove Lake for sensational views of Cradle Mountain, and discover Waldheim Chalet – a replica of the original chalet built by Gustav and Kate Weindorfer in 1912. Enjoy guided walks in the region and even indulge in some wine tastings back at the lodge.

Roaring 40's wind farm and Cape Grim

On the North West tip of Tasmania lies Cape Grim – home to the world’s cleanest air (measured by the Bureau of Meteorology). Cape Grim is part of Woolnorth, a historic station owned by one of Australia’s oldest enterprises – the Van Diemen’s Land Company. It’s also home to the roaring 40’s wind farm, which can produce up to 10% of Tasmania’s electricity requirements!

Wellington Park (Mt. Wellington)

A visit to Hobart is simply not complete without a visit to Mount Wellington. Boasting sensational views over Hobart City and the Derwent River, this iconic mountain stands over 4,000 feet tall!

Southern Forests of the Tahune Valley

Enjoy a day to visit the pristine southern forests and get a true appreciation of Tasmania’s wilderness via the Tahune Air Walk. Here, you’ll walk above pristine streams and forest along a suspended tree top board walk. Also discover the Forest & Heritage Centre in Geeveston

Tasmania's finest accommodation

If you’re with Outback Spirit in Tasmania, you’ll enjoy some of the finest hotels and lodges the state has to offer. From premium centrally located hotels like the Hobart Grand Chancellor, to the charming Freycinet Lodge and luxurious Cradle Mountain Lodge – we’ve hand-picked the best spots for your head to hit the pillow.

past passenger saving

group saving

*The maximum Past Passenger/Group Saving in conjunction with the Early Bird offer is $250pp.

*Fly offer applicable for limited seats and subject to fare class availability. Please enquire for fares from other ports. Offer ends 5pm AEDT on the 2nd April 2015, or until sold out.

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation & Activities

Accommodation

Hobart

Grand Chancellor Hotel

1 Davey Street, Hobart, TAS 7000

Accommodation Type

High 1.1.15 - 31.3.15 & 1.10.15 - 1.12.15

Low 1.4.15 - 30.9.15

Room Only

$240.00

$210.00

Bed & Breakfast (Single)

$270.00

$240.00

Bed & Breakfast (Twin/Double)

$270.00

$240.00

Having just returned from a wonderful tour of Tasmania, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Rob & Dee for making the experience such a relaxed & happy one. Nothing was a problem for them especially those with special dietary needs. Dee's sunny personality & caring ways, Rob's knowledge of history, fauna & flora. Add to the mix a happy bunch of tourists, great time was had by all.

"Just returned from Tassie. It has been approximately 20 years since we had been there. Thinks have changed. It was good to be able to do it with Outback Spirit this time. Dee & Robin were great. It took away all the hassles of booking everything ourselves. The trip went without a hassle and took us to some places we had not done before. Again, thanks Outback Spirit another great trip. Am looking forward to our next one."

"This was my second trip with Outback Spirit and again I must compliment you on the trip, its organisation and smooth running. I would like to make a special mention of the crew as they were exceptional and certainly added greatly to the enjoyment of the trip by all the passengers. I was impressed by the number of people on the trip who were return customers as that certainly speaks highly of your trips and the efforts of all concerned."

"I would like to thank Outback Spirit for a wonderful tour. This was my first time with your company and I enjoyed every single minute of it.
The scenery is breathtaking and I believe we have seen all the main destinations in Tasmania. The tour was a wonderful insight into where you would like to visit again. I will definitely be travelling with Outback Spirit again and have been spreading the word as to how good it is.
Thank you Outback Spirit for a wonderful, wonderful tour."